Difficult decisions

**Angel**

"Mom, do we have to go to the new pack?" Lowrence asked, clearly telling me that he wanted to go back home. I knew this sudden change would be something he would have to adapt to, but I had no other options. There was too much at stake, much more than he would ever understand.

"You don't want to go?" I asked, and he shook his head, making my eyes soften. I knelt in front of him and tilted my head in question. "Is there a reason why you want to stay behind?"

"I don't know where we're going and I don't know how people act in a pack," he said, making my eyes soften. The fact that he was open about his feelings with me, without fear or worry about exposing what he felt, was something I was grateful for. It showed that, at least with my son, I had done something right.

"They act like a big family. One day, they usually sit together at a table, have big celebrations, birthdays too. You don't even have to invite anyone to your house. Everyone is already there by your side and more than willing to sing for you too." I said, smiling at him. His eyes widened in surprise, and I took his hand in mine, squeezing it gently. "You don't need to be afraid, baby. You just need to trust that mommy won't take you somewhere where you'd be harmed. If I'm taking you there, it's so you can have a big family when you grow up."

"Are we going to stay in the pack when we grow up?" he asked, and I laughed. I nodded, ignoring the pain I felt. The idea of being with Dimitri in the same place for a long time wasn't something I wanted, and seeing him with Haizel would be a constant reminder of what happened between us. It made me sick, but I knew better than to complain now, at least not in front of my son.

"We'll have a big family when you grow up. And then, when it's time for you to move, you'll do it within your pack. You'll be free to run, play, and even train with the other wolves as you wish." I said, and his eyes widened as he became a little more excited and much less hesitant. "I just need you to trust that mommy won't harm you, okay? I'll do everything I can to make you happy, safe, and well-guarded. That's mommy's goal for you, you know that, right, baby?"

"Yes, mommy," he said, and I nodded as I stood up to check the bags one last time. I knew that many of our things weren't even here, but I also knew I could buy new ones. I would just need to find a way to keep the ones I left well preserved until I could bring them back to the new house. But considering that the house was ours anyway, I didn't need to worry about that. The maid would choose whether or not to come. If not, then she could leave the job as it was. If she chose to come to us, it would be an advantage for me. At least I would have someone I knew. The only thing I didn't know was where we would stay.

Surely, Dimitri wouldn't make me live with Haizel under the same roof, right?

We left the house, and I placed my hand on Lowrence's head, hugging him as we entered the elevator. His eyes met mine, and he smiled, and despite the heavy feeling I had, I nodded and smiled back at him.

My eyes met those of my brother, Luke. To my surprise, he stood in front of me without shame. It took all the instinct in me not to attack him after his previous act the other day. He believed he would get away with it, but for now, I had things to take care of. I would deal with him later.

"I understand that you chose to do the right thing," he stated, his voice as cold as ice and his eyes meeting mine. I had to force myself not to respond to his rudeness, remembering that my son was by my side. "Well, I assume you even learned your lesson."

"Uncle Luke, are you coming with us too?" Lowrence asked, and Luke smiled as he knelt to look at my son. He took his hand and kissed his fingers gently.

"No, little one. I have my own house and property, but you're more than welcome to visit if you want. You know, as long as you go to school and do well," he said, putting on the mask that even I had fallen for. The idea of my brother physically attacking me wasn't something I could easily swallow. Yes, the scars and bruises had healed, thankfully. But the pain he left in my chest wouldn't heal so easily.

"Say hi to mommy. Tell her that her daughter will stay based on her decision," I said, watching as Luke stood facing me. His eyes were fixed on mine, and I looked at Lowrence for a second before expressing the words that had threatened to escape my lips since he hurt me. "Next time you think about harming me, brother; I will make sure you are poisoned by your own actions."

My voice was above a whisper, but I knew he heard me. His eyes darkened, revealing his inner rage. "And never dare to come near me or my son again. I'll make sure you regret even thinking about calling me sister. And I think you, more than anyone, know how much I despise those who betray me. Do you understand that clearly?"

"Who the...?"

"I don't have all day to wait," Dimitri said, stopping Luke from completing the sentence. His eyes met mine, and seeing Haizel entwined around his arm, the short dress she wore clearly trying to attract her husband's attention, made me feel nauseous. "And I think I've given you enough time to say goodbye. Don't you agree, Luke?"

Luke remained silent, but his look promised that this was far from over. As he walked away, I knew this wouldn't be the last time we would face conflicts. But for now, all that mattered was ensuring Lowrence's safety and happiness in the new pack.